We had a
very friendly and constructive meeting. We discussed the implementation of our
collaboration on technical cooperation and the possibility of enlarging this collaboration
to other institutions like the Common Fund for Commodities. We have in particular agreed
to collaborate in the implementation of the mandate given by UNCTAD IX, especially in the
fields of investment and environment, where the contribution of UNCTAD can be of
particular relevance.

Mr Ricupero thanked the WTO's
Director-General for having participated in UNCTAD IX, adding that his presence had been a
concrete expression of the evolving cooperation between the two organizations. Mr Ruggiero
also accepted Mr Ricupero's invitation to address the next annual session of UNCTAD's
Trade and Development Board meeting in October.